GoPro HERO 3 User Manual

User ManUal

1

table of contents

Accessories 4

Mounts + Accessories 5

HERO3 Features 6

Camera LCD Status Screen 8

Camera User Interface Flow Chart 9

Soware Updates 10

Basics 10

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what other GoPro owners are capturing and sharing.

Share your footage and join the GoPro movement!

2 3

Camera Modes 13

Camera Settings 20

Delete 30

Capture Settings 32

Set Up 40

Wireless Controls 49

Storage/SD Cards 51

System Requirements 52

Transferring Files 53

Playback 54

Battery Life 56

Important Warning Messages 58

Camera Assembly 59

Customer Support 65

PREMIUM ACCESSORIES

HERO3 ACCESSORIES

Wrist Housing

see More at gopro.comwear it. MoUnt it. love it.

MOUNTS + ACCESSORIES

LCD Touch BacPac

Battery BacPac

Wi-Fi Remote

The Frame Mount

(HERO3 accessory)

™

™

™

More HERO3 accessories available at gopro.com

Replacement Housing

Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery

Lens Replacement Kit

Caps + Doors

32GB/64GB microSD™

Helmet Front

Mount

Floaty Backdoor Head Strap Suction Cup Mount Vented Helmet

Roll Bar Mount Tripod Mount Anti-Fog Inserts Grab Bag of

Curved + Flat

Adhesive Mounts

Chest Mount

Harness

Side Mount Camera Tethers

Handlebar/Seatpost/

Pole Mount

Surfboard Mounts

Strap

Mounts

Wi-Fi Remote

Mounting Kit

4 5

Hero3 featUres

Hero3 featUres

1. Status Indicator Lights (Red)

2. SHUTTER/SELECT Button

3. LCD Status Screen

4. Wi-Fi Indicator Light (Blue

5. POWER/MODE Button

6 7

)

6. Micro HDMI Port

(Cable not included)

TM

7. microSD

8. mini-USB Port

Card Slot

(SD card not included)

(Supports Composite A/C
cable/3.5mm stereo mic adapter,
not included)

9. HERO Port

10. Battery Door

11. Wi-Fi ON/OFF Button

12. Audio Alert

caMera lcd statUs screen caMera User interface flow cHart

The LCD screen displays the following information about HERO3 modes and settings:

MODES

1. Camera Modes/FOV (Field of View)

2. Capture Setting Modes (not shown)

3. Resolution/FPS (Frames Per Second)

4. Time Interval Settings: (not shown)

5. Counter

6. Time/Storage/Files

7. Battery Life

Note: The icons displayed above will vary depending on what mode your camera is in.

8 9

CAMERA SETTINGS

CAPTURE SETTINGS WI-FI

SET UP

*Note: White Balance only appears in your camera display if Protune mode is

turned ON. Playback only appears if Playback is activated.

software UPdates

GoPro releases product updates through soware updates. Check

to see if any updates are available for your camera or other GoPro
products. Visit: gopro.com/update.

UsinG YoUr Hero3: basics

GETTING STARTED

Before using your HERO3 for the first time:

1. Insert a microSD™, microSDHC™ or microSDXC™ card into the card
slot with label facing forward, narrowest part of the card first.
Speed Class 10 or higher cards are recommended. When using 0.5 second Time
Lapse or recording video in Protune mode, a Speed Class Rating 10 is required.

2. Place battery into the camera.

3. Charge battery. The included lithium-ion battery comes partially charged. To

charge, connect the included USB cable to camera and connect the other end
of the cable to a power source such as a computer, GoPro Wall Charger or
GoPro Auto Charger. No damage will occur to the camera or battery if used

prior to a full charge.

Status Indicator Lights when camera is OFF and

PRO

charging, show:

• Status Indicator Lights are ON when charging.

TIP:

• Status Indicator Lights are OFF when charging is complete.

▶See BATTERY LIFE for more information.
▶See PROTUNE for more information.

10 11

CAMERA DEFAULT SETTINGS

The HERO3 Black Edition camera powers up with the following default settings:

Video Resolution 1440p48fps

Photo Resolution 12 Megapixels (MP)

Photo Burst 30 photos in 1 second

Time Lapse 0.5 seconds

Wi-Fi OFF

Want to change your VIDEO and PHOTO settings?

PRO
TIP:

▶See SETTINGS MENU to make changes.

UsinG YoUr Hero3: basics

UsinG YoUr Hero3: basics

POWERING ON AND OFF

OVERVIEW

UsinG YoUr Hero3: c aMer a Mode s

The HERO3 features several camera modes. To cycle through the modes, press .
The modes will appear in the following order:

To power ON:
Press and release
the Sound Indicator emits three beeps.

To power OFF:
Press
several times and the Sound Indicator emits seven beeps.

PRO
TIP:

. The red Status Indicator Lights flash three times and

for two seconds, then release. The red Status Indicator Lights flash

Want to t urn your HE RO3 into a “on e-butto n” camer a that
automatically starts recording Photos or Videos once it
turn s ON? Set the c amera to ONE BUTTON m ode.

VIDEO

PHOTO

PHOTO BURST

TIME LAPSE

PL AYBAC K

PRO

Use PHOTO BURST to capture fast moving subjects.

TIP:

▶See PLAYBACK for more information.

Record Video

Capt ure singl e Photo

Capt ure Burst p hotos

Capt ure Time L apse ph otos

Appe ars only i f the came ra is plug ged into a T V/HDTV.
PL AYBAC K allo ws you to pla y Photos and Videos
on a TV/HD TV (via op tional Mi cro HDMI cab le or A/ V
composite cable).

▶See ONE BUTTON mode for more information.

12 13

UsinG YoUr Hero3: c aMer a Mode s

VIDEO

To record Video, verify the camera is in Video mode. If the Video icon
your camera’s LCD screen

To start recording:
Press and release

Indicator Lights will flash while recording.

To stop recording:

Press and release
camera emits three beeps to indicate recording has stopped.

The HERO3 automatically stops recording when the memory card is full or the
battery is out of power. Your video will be saved before the camera powers OFF.

▶See VIDEO mode for instructions on how to change resolution settings.

14 15

is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears.

. The camera will emit one beep and the red Status

. The red Status Indicator Lights flash three times and the

on

PHOTO

To capture a Photo, verify the camera is in Photo mode. If the Photo icon on
your camera’s LCD is not showing, press

To take a photo:
Press and release . The camera beeps two times and the red Status
Indicator Lights flash.

▶See PHOTO modes for instructions on how to change resolution settings and
other PHOTO features.

UsinG YoUr Hero3: c aMer a Mode s

repeatedly until it appears.

UsinG YoUr Hero3: c aMer a Mode s

PHOTO BURST

In Photo Burst mode your camera takes multiple photos in short time intervals—
3 photos/1 second, 5 photos/1 second, 10 photos/1 second, 10 photos/2 sec­onds, 30 photos/1 second, 30 photos/2 seconds or 30 photos/3 seconds.

To capture a Photo Burst series, verify the camera is in Photo Burst mode. If the
Photo Burst icon on your camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press

repeatedly until it appears.

To take a Photo Burst series:

Press and release
beeps multiple times.

PRO
TIP:

▶See PHOTO BURST for instructions on how to change the interval settings.

16 17

. The red Status Indicator Lights flash and the camera

Sometimes 30 photos/1 second is too fast. Try a slower

Burst setting to better match the action.

Time Lapse mode captures a series of photos at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 second

intervals. When using the 0.5 seconds setting, an SD card with a Speed Class 10
Rating is required.

To capture a Time Lapse series, verify the camera is in Time Lapse mode. If the
Time Lapse
repeatedly until it appears.

To take Time Lapse:
Press and release . The camera initiates countdown and the red Status Indicator

Lights flash each time a Photo is taken.

To stop Time Lapse:

Press and release . The red
camera emits three beeps to indicate that Time Lapse has stopped.

▶See TIME LAPSE for instructions on how to change the interval settings.

UsinG YoUr Hero3: c aMer a Mode s

TIME LAPSE

icon is not showing on your camera’s LCD screen, press

Status

Indicator Lights flash three times and the

UsinG YoUr Hero3: c aMer a Mode s

UsinG YoUr Hero3: c aMer a Mode s

SETTINGS

The Settings menu allows you to adjust a variety of camera settings including:

Video Resolution

Photo Resolution

Time Lapse

Photo Burst

Continuous Photo

• and more

▶See SETTINGS MENU to make changes, learn how to navigate menu options
and read more details on each setting.

18 19

PLAYBACK

You can playback your GoPro Photos and Videos on a TV/HDTV or with the
LCD Touch BacPac
when camera is powered ON and plugged into a TV/HDTV.

▶See PLAYBACK for more information on viewing your Videos and Photos.

™

(optional accessory). Playback appears as a camera mode

caMera set tinGs

caMera set tinGs

SETTINGS

To enter the Settings menu:

1. Verify the camera is in the Settings menu. If the Setting

camera’s LCD screen is not showing, press

2. Press

3. Use

4. Press

5. To exit, hold down

20 21

to enter menu.

to cycle through the various Settings options.

to select desired option.

for two seconds or cycle through to and press .

PRO

If at any time you wish to exit from the SETTINGS MENU,

TIP:

press and hold

for two seconds.

repeatedly until it appears.

icon on your

VIDEO RESOLUTION/FPS/FOV MODES

You can change Resolution, FPS and View Angle (FOV) for your HERO3
camera when using Video mode. This mode contains sub-level menu options.

Once in the Settings menu:

1. Press

2. Use

3. Press

4. Use

5. To change additional options, repeat step 4.

6. To exit, hold down

to enter .

to cycle through options.

to enter desired menu.

to cycle through each sub-menu option and to select.

press

.

for two seconds or cycle through to and

caMera set tinGs

The HERO3 Black Edition offers the following Video Capture modes:

Video

NTSC

PAL

Resolution

fps

4k /

15 1212.5 12No Yes Ultra Wide 3840x2160, 16:9

4k Cin

2.7k /

30 2425 24Yes* Ye s Ultra Wide 2716x1524, 16:9

2.7k Cin

144 0p 48

30
24

1080p 60

48
30
24

960p 100 48100 48Yes Yes

720p 120 60120 50Yes Yes

WVGA 240 240 Yes No Ultra Wide 848x480, 16:9

*720/120 and 720/100 only support Ultra Wide and Narrow FOV.

Note: Protune mode is only possible in select Video resolutions.

std

fps

Mode

48

Yes Yes Ultra Wide 1920x1440, 4:3
25
24

50

Yes Yes Ultra Wide
48
25
24

Protune

No

No

™

Field of View
(FOV)

Medium
Narrow

Ultra Wide 1280x960, 4:3

Ultra Wide
Medium*
Narrow*

Screen
Resolution

4096x2160, 17:9

2716x1440, 17:9

1920x1080, 16:9

1280x720,16:9

Video
Resolution

4k /
4k Cin

2.7k /

2.7k Cin

144 0p Recommended for body-mounted shots as larger viewing area and high frame

1080p 1080p60 is great for all shots as high resolution and frame rate yeild stunning

960p Use for body-mounted shots and when slow motion is desired. Provides large

720p Good for handheld shots and when slow motion is desired.

WVGA Good when super slow motion is desired and standard definition is acceptable.

Best Use

Stunning 8MP resolution video with professional low light performance. Pull
8MP stills from video. Recommended for tripod or fixed position shots.

16:9 / 17:9 resolution video downscales to provide stunning, cinema-quality
results for professional productions. Recommended for tripod or fixed
position shots.

rate yield the smoothest, most immersive results for high action capture.

results. Tripod or fixed mounting for 1080p48 and 30fps and 1080p24 is ideal for
television and film productions.

viewing area and smooth results for high action capture.

Setting the PROTUNE mode to ON allows for high-quality capture,

PRO

neutral color and 24fps video for professional video production.

TIP:

▶See PROTUNE for more information.

caMera set tinGs

22 23

caMera set tinGs

The HERO3 can capture photos at 12MP, 7MP and 5MP resolutions. Any change
to photo resolution also affects photos captured in Photo, Photo Burst and
Time Lapse modes.

Photo
Resolution

12MP Wide (Default)

7MP Wide

7MP Medium

5MP Wide

24 25

PHOTO RESOLUTION MODES

Field of View
(FOV)

Continuous Photo mode allows you to capture a series of Photos continuously
while holding down the

3 photos every 1 second

5 photos every 1 second

10 photos every 1 second

Note: Your camera will remain in the CONTINUOUS PHOTO mode until you

CONTINUOUS PHOTO

button until you release the Shutter button.

return it to the SINGLE photo capture setting option.

caMera set tinGs

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PHOTO BURST OPTIONS

Photo Burst mode captures series of Photos when
can be captured in the following rates:

3 photos in 1 second

5 photos in 1 second

10 photos in 1 second

10 photos in 2 seconds

30 photos in 1 second

30 photos in 2 seconds

30 photos in 3 seconds

Several time interval options are available for Time Lapse mode, including

0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds.

26 27

(Default)

TIME LAPSE

is pressed. Photos

▶See CAPTURE SETTINGS section for a complete list of capture options.

CAPTURE SETTINGS MENU

Capture Settings allows you to adjust the following advanced camera settings:

Camera Orientation

Spot Meter

Simultaneous Video and Photo

Looping Video

Protune

White Balance

caMera set tinGs

caMera set tinGs

SET UP MENU

The Set Up menu allows you to adjust the following camera settings:

Default mode at Power Up

One Button Mode

NTSC/PAL

On Screen Display

Status Indicator Lights

Sound Indicator

Month/Day/Year/Time

▶See SET UP MENU section for a complete list of set up options.

28 29

To turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF:

Press
active when Wi-Fi is ON.

▶See WIRELESS CONTROLS section for a complete list of wireless functions.

WIRELESS CONTROLS

The HERO3 camera’s built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect to the Wi-Fi Remote
or smartphone/tablet via the GoPro App. When Wi-Fi is ON, your Wi-Fi
Status Indicator Light will blink blue.

to turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF. The most recently used Wi-Fi mode will be

caMera set tinGs

DELETE

Delete the last file or all files and format the memory card. During delete LAST or
ALL, the Status Indicator Lights blink until operation is complete.

CANCEL (Default)

LAST

ALL

To delete LAST or ALL:

icon

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings

camera’s LCD screen

2. Press

3. Use

4. Press

5. Use

to cycle through options.

6. Select highlighted option by pressing

7. To exit, hold down

PRO
TIP:

30 31

is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears.

to enter Settings menu.

to cycle through Settings to locate .

to enter Delete.

.

for two seconds or cycle through to and press .

Use caution — by selecting ALL, the memory card will be
formatted, deleting every file on your SD card.

on your

From the

EXIT

screen, press to exit the Settings menu.

PRO

If at any time you wish to exit from the SETTINGS MENU,

TIP:

press and hold

for two seconds.

caMera set tinGs

caPtUre settinGs

CAPTURE SETTINGS

To enter the Capture Settings menu:

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings

camera’s LCD screen

2. Press

3. Use

4. Press

5. Use

6. Press

7. Some options have a sub-menu. Use

8. Press

9. To exit, hold down
press

32 33

is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears.

to enter .

to cycle through Settings to locate .

to enter Capture Settings.

to locate the desired option to change.

to select the desired option.

to cycle through the sub-menus.

to select a highlighted option.

for two seconds or cycle through to and

.

icon

on your

You can customize the way your HERO3 camera captures Video and Photos in the
Capture Settings menus, such as Upside Down, Looping Video and White Balance.

UPSIDE DOWN

Mounting your HERO3 Upside Down but wish the files to appear upright when
viewing or editing? This setting eliminates the need to flip your Video or Photos
aer recording.

Camera right side up (Default)

Camera upside down

SPOT METER

Turn on Spot Meter when filming from within a dark space pointing the
camera into a brighter setting, such as filming the outdoors from within a car.
When Spot Meter is set to ON,

OFF (Default)

ON

caPtUre settinGs

appears in the LCD window.

caPtUre settinGs

caPtUre settinGs

SIMULTANEOUS VIDEO AND PHOTO

Simultaneous Video and Photo mode, allows you to simultaneously capture
both Videos and Photos. You can set the camera to take a Photo every 5
seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds or 60 seconds while you record Video.
To set your camera to Picture In Video Mode verify that a supported Video
resolution is selected and that Protune is turned OFF.

OFF

5 seconds

10 seconds

30 seconds

60 seconds

Note: You can capture

resolution settings: 1080p 24 fps, 1080p 30 fps, 720p 60fps or 1440p 24 fps.

PRO
TIP:

34 35

Simultaneous Video and Photo

Your resulting Photo size is determined by the Video dimensions
you select.

Video Dimensions Megapixel

16:9 (1080p, 720p) 8MP

4:3 (1440p) 12MP

While capturing Video you can manually take a Photo at any time by
simply pressing

.

in one of the following

Looping Video options inlcude:

Note: Looping Video is not enabled when in Protune mode.

LOOPING VIDEO

Looping Video mode allows you to record a continuously looping video that
overwrites itself until you press the
not available if Protune mode is turned ON.

OFF (Default)

Max video

5 min video

20 min video

60 min video

120 min video

PRO

TIP:

Camera records until memory card is full, then overwrites with a
new video.

Camera records for 5 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 5 minute video.

Camera records for 20 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 20 minute video.

Camera records for 60 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 60 minute video.

Camera records for 120 minutes, then begins a new video,
progressively overwriting the previous 120 minute video.

Multiple chapter files are written to your memory card. This
allows for small segments of content to be overwritten during
loop recording. When viewing on a computer screen you will see
separate files for each time segment. Use video editing soware if
you wish to combine files into a longer video.

button to stop it. Looping Video is

caPtUre settinGs

PROTUNE

The HERO3 camera can record video in Protune mode. Protune is a video mode
that unlocks the camera’s full potential, yielding stunning image quality and
cinema-caliber video for professional productions. Content creators now have far
more flexibility and workflow efficiency than ever before.

PROTUNE KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

High-Quality Image Capture

Protune’s high data rate captures images with less compression, giving content
creators higher quality for professional productions.

Neutral Color
Protune’s neutral color profile offers more flexibility during post-production color
correction. Protune’s log curve captures more detail in shadows and highlights.

Film/TV Frame Rate Standard
Record video in cinema-quality 24fps and easily intercut GoPro content with other
source media without the need to perform fps conversion.

Turning Protune ON affects several settings and features, such as Video
Resolution, fps, FOV and Simultaneous Video and Photo.

OFF (Default)

ON

36 37

PROTUNE RESOLUTIONS (continued):
Protune is available in the following HERO3 Black Edition resolutions:

RESOLUTION FPS

4k / 4kCin 15/12.5,12

2k / 2kCin 30/25, 24

1440p 48, 30,25,24

1080p 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24

960p 100

720p 120, 100

COMPATIBILITY:
Protune is compatible with professional color correction tools, editing programs

and GoPro CineForm Studio.

caPtUre settinGs

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caPtUre settinGs

WHITE BALANCE

White Balance adjusts the overall color tone of videos. White Balance will
only be available if Protune mode is turned ON. The default White Balance
setting is AUTO. When capturing in any White Balance setting other than
AUTO, you may need to color correct your video with an editing program to
achieve your desired color. Only use a non-AUTO White Balance setting if
you are an advanced user.

Consider manually setting White Balance to the following settings
when operating in the following conditions:

Incandescent or sunrise/sunset lighting

PRO

Daylight or sunlit shooting

TIP:

Cool white fluorescent skylight lighting

Industry standard optimized color

Cam RAW (Camera RAW)

The HERO3 camera can record Video in Protune mode in Cam RAW. GoPro
Cam RAW mode yields a minimally processed data file direct from the image

sensor that allows for more precise adjustments to be made in post-process.
Working in this mode takes full advantage of the image sensor’s capabilities.

PRO

PROTUNE uses AUTO White Balance and will override any

TIP:

non-AUTO White Balance setting.

38 3938

3000K

5500K

6500K

Cam RAW

EXIT

From the EXIT screen press

PRO

If at any time you wish to exit from the CAPTURE SETTINGS

TIP:

MENU, press and hold

to exit the Capture Settings menu.

for two seconds.

39

set UP

set UP

SET UP

To enter the Set Up menu:

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings
camera’s LCD screen

2. Press to enter .

3. Use to cycle through Settings to locate .

4. Press to enter Set Up.

5. Use to locate the desired option to change.

6. Press to select the desired option.

7. To exit, hold down

press

40 41

is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears.

.

for two seconds or cycle through to and

icon

on your

DEFAULT MODE AT POWER UP

You can set the camera’s Default mode at power up to any of the following modes:

(factory default)

set UP

ONE BUTTON

With One Button mode selected, the camera automatically begins recording when
powering the camera ON. One Button mode can be configured to start in Video
or Time Lapse.

OFF (Default)

ON

To turn One Button mode ON:

icon

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings
camera’s LCD screen

2. Press

3. Use

4. Press

5. Use

6. Press

7. Use

8. Press

9. To exit, hold down

Next time you power your camera ON, it will begin recording in its Default

Power Up Mode. To stop recording, push and hold

42 43

is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears.

to enter menu.

to cycle through Settings to locate .

to enter Set Up.

to cycle through to locate .

to enter One Button menu.

to cycle through options.

to select a highlighted option.

for two seconds or cycle through to and press .

on your

for two seconds.

ONE BUTTON MODE (continued)

To exit One Button mode:

1. Power camera ON.

2. Press and hold

3. Press

4. Use

5. Press

6. To exit, hold down
press

PRO

TIP:

Note: One Button mode is disabled when connected to Wi-Fi Remote or GoPro App.

until shows in the LCD window.

to enter.

to highlight OFF.

to select.

.

To stop the capture process (VIDEO or TIME LAPSE) when in
ONE BUTTON, press and hold
return to the ONE BUTTON menu where you can turn
ONE BUTTON mode OFF.

for two seconds or cycle through to and

for two seconds. You will

set UP

set UP

set UP

NTSC / PAL

The NTSC and PAL settings govern Video recording frame rate and playback
when viewing Video on a TV/HDTV. Select NTSC when viewing a TV/HDTV in
North America. Select PAL if viewing on a PAL TV/HDTV (most televisions
outside of North America) or if viewing on a PAL TV/HDTV in any region.

NTSC (Default) PAL

4k/15fps 4k/12.5fps

4k Cin/12fps 4k Cin/12fps

2k/30fps 2k/25fps

2k Cin/24fps 2k Cin/24fps

1440p/48fps 1440p/48fps

1440p/30fps 1440p/25fps

1080p/60fps 1080p/50fps

1080p/48fps 1080p/48fps

1080p/30fps 1080p/25fps

1080p/24fps 1080p/24fps

960p/100fps 960p/100fps

960p/48fps 960p/48fps

720p/120fps 720p/120fps

720p/60fps 720p/50fps

WVGA/240fps WVGA/240fps

44 45

ONSCREEN DISPLAY

To display or hide the recording icons and file information on Video or the
viewing screen during playback, turn Onscreen Display (OSD) OFF or ON.

OFF

ON (Default)

STATUS INDICATOR LIGHTS

Keep all four Statu s Indicator Lights active, only two active (front and back)
or turn OFF all lights.

4 (Default)

2

OFF

SOUND INDICATOR

You can adjust volume or turn OFF the Sound Indicator.

100% (Default)

70%

OFF

set UP

set UP

MANUAL POWER OFF

The HERO3 can be configured to automatically power OFF aer a specific
period of inactivity (when no Videos or Photos are being taken and no
buttons have been pressed).

MANUAL (Default)

60

sec

120sec

300sec

46 47

Set the HERO3 clock to ensure Video and Photo files are saved with the
correct date and time.

To chang e Month/Day/Year/Time:

Note: If the battery is removed from the camera for an extended period of time

MONTH / DAY / YEAR / TIME

1. Verify the camera is in Settings mode. If the Settings icon
camera’s LCD screen

2. Press

3. Use

4. Press

5. Use

6. Press
be highlighted.

7. Press

8. Use

9. Press

10. To advance to the next option, press

11. Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 to make selections for day (DD), year (YY), hour

(HH) and minutes (MM).

12. To exit, hold down

press

MONTH/DAY/YEAR/TIME will need to be set again.

is not showing, press repeatedly until it appears.

to enter menu.

to cycle through Settings to locate .

to enter Set Up.

to locate .

to enter Month/Day/Year/Time sub-menu; Month (MM) will

to access the list of months (1 to 12).

to cycle through list until desired selection is highlighted.

to select.

.

for two seconds or cycle through to and

.

on your

set UP

EXIT

From the EXIT screen, press

PRO

If at any time you wish to exit from the SET UP MENU, press

TIP:

and hold

48 49

to exit the Set Up menu.

for two seconds.

WIRELESS CONTROLS

The built-in Wi-Fi allows your HERO3 camera to connect to the Wi-Fi Remote
and smartphone/tablet via the GoPro App.

To turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF via the Wi-Fi button:

to turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF. When turning Wi-Fi ON the Wi-Fi mode will

Press
be set to the most recently used mode.

USING HERO3 WITH THE WI-FI REMOTE NOT PAIRING

Pair your HERO3 with the Wi-Fi Remote to control your camera remotely. The
Wi-Fi Remote can control up to 50 cameras at a time at distances of up to
600’/180m in optimal conditions.

1. Power ON the HERO3 and turn Wi-Fi ON.

2. Press

3. Press to enter .

3. Use to cycle through to locate .

4. Press to enter Wireless Controls .

5. You will see .

6. Press again to enter the sub-menu.

7. Use to select Wi-Fi RC.

8. Press to select it.

9. Use to select CURRENT or NEW.

10. Press to select desired option.

to cycle through to the Settings menu.

wireless controls

wireless controls

WIRELESS CONTROLS CONTINUED

On your Wi-Fi Remote:

1. Turn ON the GoPro Wi-Fi Remote.

2. While holding

3. Once you see

4. A check
successfully paired.

The Wi-Fi Remote’s LCD screen will now mirror the HERO3 LCD screen.

USING THE HERO3 WITH THE GOPRO APP

The GoPro App lets you control your camera remotely using a smartphone or
tablet. Features include full camera control of all settings, live video preview to
your smartphone or tablet for easy shot framing and more.

The GoPro App is available for free at the Apple App Store and is coming soon
to Google Play.

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TIP:

▶See gopro.com for more information.

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, press and release .

, you can release .

will appear once the Wi-Fi Remote and camera have

Before you hit the shutter, see what your HERO3 camera sees
by viewing it on your smartphone or tablet’s screen.

The HERO3 camera is compatible with 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB
capacity microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC memory cards. While all speed class
ratings are compatible, GoPro requires using an SD card with Speed Class Rating
10 or higher speed when recording in Protune mode, or when using the 0.5 Time
Lapse setting. GoPro recommends using brand name memory cards for maximum
reliability in high-vibration activities.

To insert SD card: To remove SD card:

1. Slide memory card into card slot
with label facing front of camera.

2. The card will click into place when
fully inserted.

Use care when handling memory cards. Avoid liquids, dust and
debris. As a precaution, turn off the camera before inserting or

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removing the card. Check manufacturer guidelines regarding use

TIP:

in acceptable temperature ranges.

▶See PROTUNE for more information.

storaGe/Microsd cards

1. Place fingernail against edge of
memory card and lightly press

further into camera.

2. Card will spring out far enough to
be removed.

sYsteM reqUireMents

The HERO3 camera is compatible with Microso® XP (Service Pack 2) or later
and Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later.

WINDOWS MAC

Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or later)
or Vista

3.2GHz Pentium 4 or faster 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo or faster

DirectX 9.0c or later

Minimum 1GB of system RAM Minimum 1GB of system RAM

Video card with minimum 256MB
of RAM

Want to see your footage and stills on the big screen? Plug

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your HERO3 directly into a TV/HDTV with GoPro’s Micro HDMI

TIP:

cable or USB cable (optional accessories).

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Mac OS® X 10.4.11 or later

Video card with minimum 128MB
of RAM

TO TRANSF ER VIDEO AND PHOTO FILE S TO A COMPUTER

On a PC:

1. Connect the camera to the computer using included USB cable.

to turn ON the camera.

2. Press

3. Double click “My Computer” and locate “Removable Disk”.

4. If “Removable Disk” is not showing, close “My Computer” folder and
reopen it. The “Removable Disk” icon should appear.

5. Double click “Removable Disk” icon.

6. Double click “DCIM” folder icon.

7. Double click “100GOPRO” icon to view all Photo and Video files.

8. Copy/move files to the computer or external hard drive.

On a Mac:

1. Connect the camera to Mac using included USB cable.

to turn ON the camera.

2. Press

3. The Mac recognizes the camera as an external hard drive. Double click
icon for external drive to access files.

4. Copy/move files to computer or external hard drive.

IMPORTANT TIP FOR MAC USERS: When deleting files from the memory card,
empty the trash before removing the memory card or unplugging the camera.

transferrinG files

Pl aYba ck

TO VIE W VIDEOS AND PHOTOS

Videos and Photos can be v iewed on a T V/HDT V or the LCD Tou ch BacPa c™

(optional accessory).

PLAYBACK ON TV/HDTV

To browse Videos and Photos:

1. Plug the camera into a TV/HDTV with a Micro HDMI or a miniUSB to a
Composite Cable (optional accessories).

2. Turn camera ON.

3. On your camera press

4. HERO3 displays thumbnail previews of all Videos and Photos on the
SD card. Photo sets taken in Continuous Photo, Photo Burst and Time
Lapse display the first Photo in a series.

5. While in thumbnail preview use

to view.

and to navigate backward and forward to see more media

6. Use
files on your memory card.

7. Highlight desired file to view and press .

8. Depending on whether you are viewing Videos and Photos, different
control options will appear. Use the

Note: Photo Burst and Time Lapse files will display the first Photo in the series.

To view all Photos in a series, use

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to cycle to . Press .

to cycle through thumbnails. Press

and buttons to navigate.

to select VIEW and press .

PLAYBACK ON LCD TOUCH BACPAC

Playback using the LCD Touc BacPac follows a similar process/procedure as
described with a few slight variations.

▶See the LCD Touch BacPac User Manual for more information.

Pl aYba ck

batterY life

CHARGING BATTERY

The battery icon displayed in the camera’s LCD will blink when the battery drops below
10%. If recording is occurring when battery reaches 0%, the camera will save the file
and power OFF.

To charge the battery:

1. Connect the camera to a
computer or USB power supply
(such as the GoPro Wall Charger
or GoPro Auto Charger).

2. The Red Status Indicator Light
remains ON while the battery
is charging.

3. The Red Status Indicator Light
will turn OFF when the battery is
fully charged.

The battery will charge to 80% in one hour and 100% in two hours when using
GoPro’s 1000mAh USB-compatible Wall or Auto Charger. Other chargers may
charge at only half this rate.

No damage will occur to the camera or the battery if used together prior to full charge.
Spare batteries and additional charging accessories are available at gopro.com.

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USING THE CAMERA WHILE CHARGING

You can charge the camera’s battery while recording Video or taking Photos. Simply
plug the camera into a GoPro-specific auto, wall or phone charger to charge the
HERO3

camera while recording Video or Photos. It is best to use GoPro’s 1AMP

(1000mAh) Wall or Auto Charger for maximum charging performance while the
camera is in use. Performance of non-GoPro chargers cannot be guaranteed.

REMOVING THE BATTERY FROM THE CAMERA

The

HERO3

battery is designed to have a tight fit to maximize reliability in high-

vibration activities.

To remove the battery:

1. Remove the battery door by placing your thumb in the indentation in the
battery door (on the back of the camera) and sliding it to the le.

2. Allow the door to pop out. Grasp the battery pull-tab and remove from the camera.

batterY life

iMPor tant warninG Mes saGe s

MICROSD CARD MESSAGES

NO SD

SD FULL Card is full. Delete files or swap card.

SD ERROR Camera unable to access card.

No card present. The camera requires a microSD, microSDHC or
microSDXC card to record Video or take Photos.

caMera asseMblY

ASSEMBLING THE CAMERA

The

HERO3

camera housing is waterproof to 197’/60m and is constructed of

polycarbonate and stainless steel for ultimate durability.
latch closure that offers one hand open-and-close functionality and locking.

The HERO3 has a new improved

FILE REPAIR ICON ON THE LCD

If you see the File Repair icon on the LCD screen, your Video file
was corrupted during recording. Press any button and the camera
will repair the file.

TEMPERATURE WARNING ICON ON THE LCD

The Temperature Warning icon will appear on the LCD when the
camera has become too hot and needs to cool down. Simply let it sit
and cool before attempting to use it again. Your camera will not allow
itself to overheat —do not worry, no damage has occurred.

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To place the HERO3 camera into the housing:

1. Place camera in housing.

2. Position the backdoor into place.

3. Lift the latch arm into upright position allowing the hinged arm to
hang downward.

4. Hook grooved portion of hinged arm to grooved top of the backdoor.

5. Use one finger to push down the latch arm to snap into place.

To remove the HERO3 camera from the housing:

1. Grip the housing with le hand.

2. Using right hand, place thumb to le side of arrow and index finger just
below latch arm.

3. Pinch fingers together, sliding arrow to the right.

4. Use fingertips to pull upward, allowing latch arm to swing to fully
upright position.

5. Li hinged arm over the housing and remove the HERO3.

To close properly, be sure grooved sections of the latch arm and the backdoor
are hooked.

caMera asseMblY

The HERO3 housing comes with two types of backdoors—Skeleton and Waterproof.

Skeleton Backdoor Waterproof Backdoor

The Skeleton Backdoor (non-waterproof)
provides better sound quality by allowing
more sound to reach the camera’s
microphone. It also reduces wind noise
at speeds up to 100mph when mounted
on helmets, motorcycles, bikes and other
fast-moving vehicles. Use this backdoor
only when sand, excessive dirt/dust
and water damage is not a risk. This
backdoor is also recommended for use
inside vehicles.

Apply RAIN-X or a similar anti-beading solution to the housing lens
to prevent waterspots from forming when using your camera in rain

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or water. When RAIN-X is not available, periodically licking your

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lens is a good backup solution. Dunk your camera aer licking.
Trust us, this works.

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The Waterproof Backdoor makes
the housing waterproof to 197’/60m.
Use this door when you need to
protect the camera from water and
other environmental hazards.

SWAPPING HOUSING DOORS

Your HERO3 camera housing comes with two types of backdoors—Waterproof
and Skeleton (non-waterproof).

To change backdoor:

1. Open the backdoor of the housing so that it is hanging downwards.

2. Pull downwards on the backdoor until it snaps free from the hinge.

3. Line up replacement backdoor into the hinge opening.

4. Push upwards on the backdoor until it clicks into place.

caMera asseMblY

caMera asseMblY

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR CAMERA

The rubber seal that lines the camera housing forms a waterproof barrier that
protects your
rubber seal clean; a single hair or grain of sand can cause a leak.

Aer every use in salt water you will need to rinse the outside of the housing
with non-salt water and dry. Not doing this can eventually cause corrosion of the
hinge pin and salt buildup in the seal, which can cause failure.

To clean the seal, rinse in fresh water and shake dry (drying with a cloth may
cause lint to compromise the seal). Re-install the seal into the grooves in the
backdoor of the housing.

WARNING: Failure to follow these steps each time you use your
result in leaks that may damage or destroy your camera. Your warranty does not
cover water damage resulting from user error.

62 63

HERO3

in wet and underwater conditions. Keep the camera housing’s

HERO3

can

ATTACHING YOUR CAMERA TO MOUNTS

To attach your
thumb screw or hardware depending on the mount you are using. For more
information on mounts, visit gopro.com/support.

Attachment

Buckle

HERO3

camera to a mount, you will need an attachment buckle,

Thumb Screw Waterhousing Complete Unit

USING CURVED OR FLAT ADHESIVE MOUNTS

The curved and flat adhesive mounts make it easy to attach the camera to curved
and flat surfaces of helmets, vehicles and gear. With the attachment buckle the
assembled camera housing can be clicked ON/OFF the secured adhesive mounts.

Flat Adhesive Mount Curved Adhesive Mount

caMera asseMblY

caMera asseMblY

ATTACHING ADHESIVE MOUNTS

Apply to clean surface only. Wax, oil, dirt or other debris will

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reduce adhesion, which can result in a weak bond and risk of

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losing camera should connection fail.

Attach mount in room temperature conditions. Mount’s
adhesive will not bond properly if applied in cold or damp
environments to cold or damp surfaces, or if the surface is not
room temperature.

Adhesive mounts should only be mounted to smooth surfaces;
porous or textured surfaces will not enable a proper bond.
When applying mount, firmly press into place and ensure full
contact over entire surface.

For best results, attach the mount 24 hours prior to use.

▶See gopro.com/support for more information on mounts.

Locking Plug

Using the HERO3 in high impact sports such as surfing or skiing
where significant impact may occur? Use the special locking
plug which securely locks the attachment buckle fingers into
place--helping prevent accidental housing release from the mount.
The circular ring fits over the thumbscrew and acts as a leash to
prevent dropping or losing the locking plug.

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GoPro is dedicated to providing the best possible

service. To reach the GoPro Customer Support Team,

visit gopro.com/support.

cUstoMer sUPPort

Learn about more GoPro products at: gopro.com

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130-02482-000 REVA Please Recycle.